| Mechanism | Physiologic and clinical benefit |
| Small, pliable nasal prongs | |
| Heat and humidification | - Facilitates removal of airway secretions
- Avoids airway desiccation and epithelial injury
- Decreased work of breathing
- Enhances patient comfort
|
| Washout of nasopharyngeal deadspace | - Improved ventilation and oxygen delivery
|
| Positive end-expiratory (PEEP) effect | - Unload auto-PEEP (if present)
- Decrease work of breathing
- Enhance oxygenation
|
| High nasal flow rate | - Reliable delivery of fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2)
- Improved breathing pattern (eg, increased tidal volume, decreased respiratory rate)
|
